Sew a Bikini Top – DIY Bikini Tutorial

Hey y’all, today we’re making the bikini top to go with the bikini bottoms I shared last week. I love this bikini and it has been water tested with no wardrobe malfunctions, so I can whole heartedly recommend trying this yourself.

I used the Barrett Bra pattern from Madalynne to make this top (scroll down the page I linked to find it, and have fun checking out her other free patterns), and sewed it using Pine Crest Athletic knit from fabric.com. The cactus print that I used can be found here (affiliate link), but I *think* they do digital printing and so it may come in and out of stock. I just used lightweight nylon spandex in a nude color to line the top.

Here’s a list of the supplies besides fabric (most of these are affiliate links):

1. Barrett Bra pattern
2. 1/4 inch cotton swimsuit elastic
3. 3/8 inch cotton swimsuit elastic. For a more firm band, you can zig-zag two lengths of 3/8 elastic together at the long edges, with one side of the stitch landing on one piece and one on the other to make a 3/4 wide band.
4. Swimsuit hook
5. Lingerie slides and rings

And here’s a list of modifications you need to make to the pattern:

1. Measure up 1/2″ at center back of back piece, then square in and cut pattern piece diagonally toward opposite corner. See video.
2. Cut two straps, 1 1/4 inches wide by 18 inches long. Fold right sides together, matching long edges, and sew long edges. Turn tubes right side out.
3. Cut a cover for the bottom elastic, 1 1/2 inches wide (2 1/4 inches wide if you sewed elastic together to make a 3/4″ wide band instead of 3/8″) and  about 3 inches less in length than your bra band size.

While my modifications to the pattern pieces in order to make a bikini top were minor, the construction of the bikini varied a lot from the Barrett pattern. So first read through the Barrett instructions, then watch the video below BEFORE CUTTING YOUR FABRIC to see how I sewed my top. If the video below won’t load or you prefer to watch on YouTube, you can find it here.

Before sewing, you might want to read this post on working with spandex to prepare for success. This post about stretch stitches might also be helpful. I also mention using my self leveling foot in the video, if you don’t know how to do that, check out this video.

Pair your finished bikini top with the bikini bottom from this post and you’ll have a whole set!